NIKE AND OAKLEY, two American companies that were sponsors of Oscar Pistorius, have cut ties with the South African Olympic athletics hero in the wake of charges that he murdered his girlfriend.
The 26-year-old double amputee Paralympic champion known as “Blade Runner” became an inspiration to millions when he competed on carbon-fibre running blades against able-bodied athletes in the London Olympics last year.
But Pistorius now faces a charge of premeditated murder in the shooting of his 29-year-old girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. If convicted, he would likely receive a life sentence behind bars.
Pistorius tearfully denied the charge on Tuesday, saying he shot through a bathroom door at what he thought was an intruder.
Pistorius earned millions of dollars in endorsements but the shocking murder charge that stunned the world saw billboards featuring his image being taken down soon after the news broke as sponsors backed away from him.
“Nike has no plans for Oscar Pistorius in upcoming campaigns,” a spokesman for the sporting goods manufacturer confirmed last night.
Tiger Woods, another Nike-backed athlete, retained the endorsement of the company during his infamous sex scandal when other sponsors severed ties with the then-married father of two.
Sunglasses maker Oakley ended its contract with Pistorius as well.
“In light of the recent allegations, Oakley is suspending its contract with Oscar Pistorius, effective immediately,” the company said in a statement.
“Our hearts are with the families during this difficult time and we will continue to follow the developments in this tragic case.”
Think Henshaw at 13 would give them a better defensive shape( therefore Aki at 12). Harris defense is not his strongest competency…..delighted for Jack after what appeared to be a concerted Welsh media effort to rubbish his contribution.
@Michael Murray: would have hooked van der merwe and played daly on the wing. Think there wasn’t much between aki and Harris to start I’m happy with the line up.
@whoowhat?: ….well anyone that played as badly as Daly last week must have their confidence shot and so should not even be in match day squad. His flexibility to cover – notionally- a number of positions is all that saved him I’m guessing. Adams for VDM if you must hook him.
@Michael Murray: I would actually say Harris is a very strong defender, although so is Aki. Would have preferred an Aki Henshaw pairing for sure, but mainly for their familiarity with each other than for any shortcomings on the part of Harris
@Michael Murray: SA don’t attack at 13, they ram everything at 12. Aki carries straight and delande and SA would love that. With henshaws ability to beat a player and his passing its best to keep him at 12.
@Michael Murray: daly played poor in an unnatural position where as van der merwe played poor in his natural position. Daly is a pro and I’m sure 1 poor game out of position will not dent his confidence much.
@Chris Mc:
Sorry but against SA 12 is trucking it up and fighting like a dog… Both AKi and Henshaw are good at…
Henshaw is the best 13 out there by a mile… AKi to 12 and he can clean up all day…
@Cowboy Paddy: henshaw has delande’s number he doesn’t really need Aki to help him. The closer to the play henshaw is the better. Aki will carry straight the SA’s love that.
@Chris Mc: I assume you mean telephone number?????
Boks are going to be very physical in next text…Lions need to be brave ….Murray is an extra back row in defence so his start makes sense….Conan’s footwork and pace and his ability out wide makes good sense…Henshaw and Furlong are first choice players every time for me …probably make most international sides
@Kevin50: Funny enough Price had a much better defensive record in the 6 nations. Think Price is unlucky to drop but if there chasing a game he’s the better bench option
@Bill Obill: it’s tough on him if you look at tit that way but it’s a 23 man game now and the starting 15 and the whole bench have a part to play.
@Kevin50: murrary needs to move the ball quickly rather than let the SA defenders line up their tackles. Also the more the ball is is play the better. Boxkicking creates too many stops in play giving the SA plenty of breaks. Hopfully Conor doesn’t kick too much.
Thankfully the Welsh media didn’t get to Gatlands head, ridiculous calls for Falataeu to start ahead of Conan
@Cranesofdublin: No different to the Irish media. People have their favorites. Another ‘story’ that ran and ran for no reason.
@Ricky Wright: don’t think I’ve ever seen an Irish pundit call for an Irish player to start ahead of another individual who had a great game?
@Cranesofdublin: has neil francis been asked?
@Cranesofdublin: you remember the Irish pundit reaction to bod being dropped for JD?
@PScald: if memory services me correctly, drico has a good game in the second test, jd was at fault for the wallabies try. Jd hadnt played 13, was predominantly a 12. However jd played very well in the 3rd test
@Mick O’Shea: he did say a pundit. It’s not fair to call francis a pundit. I could think of a few names to call him but pundit isn’t one of them
Would’ve preferred an Aki/Henshaw centre combo, but having said that no problem with Harris coming in. Daly had to go. Would’ve had Liam Williams at 11 for van der Merwe.
@David Finn: mayby 3rd test
What a team!! COYL!!